Corcoran, who was born and raised in White Rock, BC, is currently artistic director of Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque, Ontario. She assumes the artistic leadership role at Arts Club in October. Outgoing artistic director Bill Millerd will assist in Corcoran’s transition before retiring in 2018 after 46 seasons.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Ashlie to the Arts Club as my successor this fall. Ashlie is an award-winning director with the ability to excite audiences whether she is directing large musicals, classical dramas and comedies, or experimental new work," Millerd said in a press release. "She is also passionate about new play development and education initiatives.”

Corcoran says she is “excited to immerse myself in Vancouver’s cultural community (and) build on Bill Millerd's phenomenal legacy. My vision is for the Arts Club to be internationally renowned, driving the development of local theatrical talent and voices, while deeply engaging with its community, audience and stakeholders."

Corcoran graduated from Queen’s University in 2001 with an honours degree in drama, and earned a master of arts in directing from University of London. Corcoran cofounded Toronto's Theatre Smash in 2005, a company known for premiering new plays. More recently, she opened the Shaw Festival’s 2017 season with the musical Me and My Girl.